Australia name International Rules squad

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Irish International Rules Squad
Anthony Tohill, Team Manager of the TG4 Irish International Rules Team, this week, named the first 18 players from a panel of 23 which will take part in the upcoming 2011 International Rules Test series to be played in Australia.

They are:
Captain: Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
Vice Captain: Ciarán McKeever (Armagh)
Emmet Bolton (Kildare)
Eoin Cadogan (Cork)
Kieran Donaghy (Kerry)
Leighton Glynn (Wicklow)
Finian Hanley (Galway)
Pearse Hanley (Mayo/Brisbane Lions)
Darren Hughes (Monaghan)
Tadgh Kennelly (Kerry/Sydney Swans)
Steven Mc Donnell (Armagh)
Kevin McKernan (Down)
Joe McMahon (Tyrone)
Neil McGee (Donegal)
Michael Murphy (Donegal)
Darran O’Sullivan (Kerry)
Kevin Reilly (Meath)
Aidan Walsh (Cork)

“I would like to sincerely thank all on the panel who have trained extremely hard over the past number of weeks. The level of commitment has been exemplary” stated Tohill at a briefing in Croke Park. “The strong interest shown amongst players demonstrates the enthusiasm for the game and the importance players place on representing their country.”

“Congratulations to all the players who have been chosen to represent Ireland. I wish them well and every success on the tour” said Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana. “I know that, with the backing of Anthony and his selectors, Eoin “Bomber” Liston, Kevin O’Brien, Séan Óg de Paor and Kieran McGeeney, they will give their utmost to bring the Cormac McAnallen Cup back to Ireland.”


Australia name International Rules squad
Australia have named a largely inexperienced squad for the International Rules Series against Ireland, which starts with the first Test in Melbourne on October 28.

Coach Rodney Eade, who takes over from Mick Malthouse, has included just four players with previous experience of the hybrid game in his 24-man squad for the two-Test series.

David Wojcinski, a Grand Final winner this year with Geelong Cats, James Frawley and Brad Green featured in Australia’s 2010 series win, while Stephen Milne represented his country back in 2002.

The Australian squad is predominantly made up of players in the 20 to 24 age group, with Eade stressing that he selected his players based on their speed, mobility and kicking skills.

"To be successful against Irish sides who have an emphasis on a fast-moving forward line and great ball skills, we need to select players who are both quick across the ground and have good foot skills that can adapt to the round ball very quickly," Eade said.
"We have selected well-performed players in the youth bracket of 20-24 year olds around the competition to provide spark and enthusiasm, combined with a proven track record in AFL footy of their running power.
"We will need to use our pace in attack and then have the ability to use our repeat speed and defend just as hard when Ireland has the ball and is attacking our goals."

Ireland will play Australia in games in the Etihad Stadium Melbourne, on October 28 at 7.45pm (Australian time) and the Metricon Stadium in Gold Coast on November 4 at 7.45pm (Australian time).
Coverage will start at 9.00am on TG4 for both tests with the games commencing at 9.45am.

Australia: Richard Douglas (Adelaide Crows), James Frawley (Melbourne), Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide), Brad Green (Melbourne), Shaun Grigg (Richmond), James Kelly (Geelong Cats), Jake King (Richmond), Ben McGlynn (Sydney Swans), Trent McKenzie (Gold Coast Suns), Stephen Milne (St Kilda), Angus Monfries (Essendon), Robin Nahas (Richmond), Mark Nicoski (West Coast), Mitch Robinson (Carlton), Liam Shiels (Hawthorn), Zac Smith (Gold Coast Suns), Matthew Suckling (Hawthorn), Andrew Swallow (North Melbourne), Colin Sylvia (Melbourne), Jack Trengove (Melbourne), Bernie Vince (Adelaide Crows), Callan Ward (GWS Giants), David Wojcinski (Geelong Cats), Easton Wood (Western Bulldogs).